Nestled in by El Mundo on Frankfort Avenue is a cozy Filipino place called Sari Sari. Two weeks ago, I had no idea that it existed. Luckily, I had a smart and adventurous date who knew just where to go when I wanted to try something new!

The restaurant is tiny with festive decorations that make it pretty much impossible to be in a bad mood. There are vibrant colors, lights, and flags everywhere, plus a cute little chef who occasionally pops her smiling face through the door of the kitchen and checks on her customers.

I ordered a wonderfully-gingery ginger lemonade and one of their specials, Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Tacos with Rice, Beans, Avocado, and Jalapeno Sauce, plus a bowl of Spicy Chicken Soup. The main course didn’t knock my socks off, but it was solid and tasted good. However, the spicy chicken soup was quite delicious. With all the wonderful flavors of gumbo, it thoroughly and instantly warmed me up, so now that it’s getting colder outside, I’ll definitely be wanting to come back for this bowl of spicy goodness. I'm craving it as I write this, actually.

My date, who had been to Sari Sari before, ordered the Pineapple Curry Seafood Combo, which is served with well-seasoned beans and fluffy rice. It was delightful. Tender butterfish, scallops, and shrimp were sautéed in a rich and flavorful pineapple curry sauce that sang with a lovely balance of sweet, sour, and salty. This is one of those dishes that you plan to come back for as soon as you leave the restaurant.

The menu offerings seem to be more fusion-oriented than strictly Filipino cuisine, but they do offer several traditional Filipino dishes, including lumpia and chicken adobo, which is the national dish of the Philippines.

There’s a lot of soul in the food here, and the service is friendly. So, go check out Sari Sari. You won’t be sorry… sorry. (C’mon - I had to!)

Sari Sari

2339 Frankfort Ave.

(502) 894-0585

Open:

Tuesday and Saturday from 5 to 9 PM

Wednesday through Friday from 11:30 to 9 PM

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I am a writer/reviewer who has the unique perspective of also being a working professional chef. I don't look up big words in my thesaurus to sound impressive because I'd rather concentrate on having a writing style that makes you feel like a friend. I'll be bringing you news about Food & Dining in our lovely city. :)